Abide with Me facts for kids

Abide with Me is a very old and well-known religious song or hymn. It's like a special poem set to music. Many people find comfort and hope in its words.

What is "Abide with Me"?

"Abide with Me" is a famous hymn that has been sung for a long time. A hymn is a type of song, usually religious, that praises or asks for help from God. This particular hymn is about asking for God's presence and help, especially during difficult times or at the end of life.

Who Wrote This Famous Song?

The words for "Abide with Me" were written by a man named Henry Lyte. He was a priest from England. He wrote this hymn in 1847, not long before he passed away. People believe he wrote it when he was very ill and felt close to the end of his life.

Where is "Abide with Me" Sung?

This special hymn has been sung at many important events throughout history. It is known for being a song of comfort and tradition.

Royal Weddings

"Abide with Me" was sung at the wedding of King George VI of the United Kingdom. He was the father of Queen Elizabeth II. It was also sung at the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II herself. These were very important national events.

Sporting Events

You might also hear "Abide with Me" at big sporting events. It is traditionally sung at the start of the FA Cup finals. The FA Cup is a very famous football competition in England. Singing this hymn before the match is a long-standing tradition. It is also sung at the Challenge Cup finals for rugby league.

The Words of the Song

The lyrics of "Abide with Me" are a prayer asking for God to stay close, especially when facing challenges or feeling alone. The word "abide" means to stay or remain.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word;
But as Thou dwell’st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings,
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea—
Come, Friend of sinners, and thus bide with me.

Thou on my head in early youth didst smile;
And, though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee,
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Images for kids

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  Abide with Me (1861)

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  Brass band playing "Abide with Me" prior to the 2011 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London